does travel insurance cover outbreak

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The 5 Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

World Nomads Travel Insurance »

Generali Global Assistance »

IMG Travel Insurance »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best COVID Travel Insurance Options.

Table of Contents

• Rating Details
• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Even though COVID-19 is no longer considered a global emergency, concerns around illness-related costs remain for many travelers. If you're looking for travel insurance that covers COVID – as well as other potential disruptions like flight delays and lost luggage – these are your best options.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Optional Coverage Add-ons
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Multitrip and Annual Plans
• World Nomads Travel Insurance: Best for Active Travelers
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• IMG Travel Insurance: Best for Travel Medical Insurance

Best COVID Travel Insurance Options in Detail

Plans include coverage for COVID-19

Optional CFAR coverage is available with Travel Select plan

Some coverages require an upgrade, including rental car collision, accidental death and dismemberment, and more

Not all add-ons are available with every plan

Allianz offers some travel insurance plans that come with an epidemic coverage endorsement

Single-trip, multitrip and annual plans available

COVID-19 benefits don't apply to every plan

Low coverage limits with some plans (e.g., only $10,000 in emergency medical coverage with OneTrip Basic plan)

24-hour travel assistance services included

More than 200 sports and activities covered in every plan

Low trip cancellation benefits ($2,500 maximum) with Standard plan

No CFAR option is offered

Free 10-day trial period

Some coverage limits may be insufficient

Rental car damage coverage only included in top-tier Premium plan

Offers travel medical insurance, international travel health insurance and general travel insurance plans

Some plans include robust coverage for testing and quarantine due to COVID-19

Not all plans from IMG offer coverage for COVID-19

Cancel for any reason coverage not available with every plan

Frequently Asked Questions

When comparing COVID-19 travel insurance options, you'll want to make sure you fully understand the coverages included in each plan. For example, you should know the policy inclusions and limits for COVID-related claims, including coverage for testing, treatments, trip cancellation or COVID-related interruptions that can occur. Meanwhile, you should understand how your coverage will work if you contract some other illness while away from home.

Also ensure your travel insurance coverage will kick in for other mishaps that occur, and that limits are sufficient for your needs. If you're planning a trip to a remote area in a country like Costa Rica or Peru , you'll want to have emergency evacuation and transportation coverage with generous limits that can pay for emergency transportation to a hospital if you need treatment.

You can also invest in a travel insurance policy that offers cancel for any reason coverage. This type of travel insurance plan lets you cancel and get a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses back for any reason, even if you just decide you're better off staying home.

It depends on your private health insurance provider and/or travel insurance policy. As of May 11, 2023, private health insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 test kits at local drugstores and on Amazon are relatively affordable, however.

As you search for plans that will provide sufficient coverage for your next trip, you'll find travel insurance that covers COVID-19 quarantine both inside and outside the United States. However, you'll typically need to have your condition certified by a physician in order for this coverage to apply. Also make sure your travel insurance plan includes coverage for travel claims related to COVID-19 in the first place.

Many travel insurance plans do cover trip cancellation as a result of COVID-19, although the terms vary widely. You typically need to be certified by a physician in order to prove your condition. Disinclination to travel because of COVID-19 – such as fear of exposure to illness – will generally not be covered. This means you will actually have to test positive for coronavirus for benefits to apply; simply not wanting to travel is not a sufficient reason to make a claim.

If you want more flexibility in your COVID-19 travel insurance, ensuring you have a cancel for any reason policy may be your best bet, but be sure to check with your chosen travel insurance provider to assess your options.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning writer who has been covering travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched the best travel insurance options for her own trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. Over the years, Johnson has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations. Johnson also works alongside her travel agent partner, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states.

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Does Travel Insurance Cover the COVID-19 Coronavirus?

Just because you have travel insurance doesn’t necessarily mean it will cover cancelations related to the coronavirus. Here’s everything you need to know.

When COVID-19 was first declared a pandemic, your only option for travel insurance coverage was  CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) . That’s because most travel insurance policies have exclusions for epidemics/pandemics. If you didn’t have CFAR, you likely wouldn’t be getting coverage for anything.

But now, as COVID-19 becomes “the new normal,”  travel insurance companies are rolling out new plans with coverage (or to incorporate COVID-19 coverage into the plans that are already available).

If you’re planning on traveling, there are a myriad of questions you’ll need to consider.

• What happens if you start making plans, only to have to cancel once again?
• What happens if you get infected while abroad?
• Most importantly, will your travel insurance cover any expenses related to the COVID-19 virus?

World Nomads

Seven corners, travel insurance companies that offer covid-19 coverage.

During the initial outbreak, travel insurance companies denied any and all claims related to COVID-19. However, given the state of our “new normal,” many have adapted and now offer differing levels of coverage.

We’ll get into some of the background surrounding travel insurance and COVID-19 below, but for now, if you’re just searching for travel insurance that covers the coronavirus, luckily, you now have some options.

Use the form below to search for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

One of the newest players in the travel insurance game,  battleface  recently added COVID-19 coverage to all of its policies. If you’re eligible, any policy purchased  from July 17th, 2020 onwards automatically includes coverage for medical expenses caused by or resulting from COVID-19, like hospitalization or outpatient care.

Coverage isn’t included for COVID-19 expenses for trip cancellations, trip interruptions, or lockdown, but the standard Travel Medical Insurance plan includes up to 5,000,000 (GBP/EUR/CHF/USD) for COVID-19 related medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

Currently battleface is offering COVID-19 coverage for residents of more than 50 countries, including most of Europe and Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, most of the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe. This plan is not (yet) available to the residents of the United States.

Take a look at our battleface review to learn more.

SafetyWing  also recently began offering coverage for COVID-19. Now, when you sign up for a SafetyWing plan, COVID-19 coverage is automatically included (otherwise, if you have an active policy, you can choose to upgrade your plan for a few extra bucks).

Coverage for medical expenses related to COVID-19 follows the same schedule of benefits as other illnesses in your standard plan, unless the virus was contracted before your travel start date. Testing for the virus is only covered if it’s deemed medically necessary by a physician.

Non-medical benefits are also the same as SafetyWing’s standard plan, including trip interruption (but not cancellation). If you need to come home early, you’ll be reimbursed up to $5,000 for your one-way travel.

Check out our full  SafetyWing review to learn more.

World Nomads ’ policies provide coverage for pandemic/epidemics, including up to $100,000 in emergency medical treatment due to COVID-19.

In some cases you may be eligible for Trip Interruption benefits (for example, if you have to change your travel arrangements mid-trip because you contracted the virus). If you’re traveling and there’s a government-mandated border closing or you’re advised to quarantine, you may get reimbursed for related expenses (like accommodations and meals).

With World Nomads you may even be eligible for trip cancellation coverage, including reimbursement for any pre-paid non-refundable travel expenses (like hotels and flights).

Check out our  World Nomads review  for more info on what’s covered.

Seven Corners  has created a series of new plans specially designed for COVID-19 coverage: Liaison Student Plus, Liaison Travel Plus, and Wander Frequent Traveler Plus.

Each plan will provide coverage up to $100,000 in medical expenses, as well as up to $1 million for emergency evacuation. For the Wander Frequent Traveler Plus, travelers between the ages of 65-74 years old are covered up to $50,000.

If you get sick with COVID-19 before your trip or during your trip, you may be covered up to $5,000 for cancellation or interruption. Seven Corners may also cover for cancellation or interruption if the country you’re traveling to has mandated a quarantine upon arrival.

Before buying into one of these plans, make sure you read the fine print and ask all the right questions. Coverage for medical expenses due to COVID-19 come pretty standard in these plans, but that’s not always the case for things like trip cancellation.

Certain insurance policies may only be available to residents of certain countries as well. For example, at the time of writing this, World Nomads does not sell to Canadians because Canadians are advised against all unnecessary travel. battleface also is not currently selling to Americans.

What to Do if You Have to Cancel Your Trip

If you’re worried that you may have to cancel your travel plans due to COVID-19, purchasing a travel insurance policy with coverage for cancellation (or trip interruption) is highly recommended.

World Nomads and Seven Corners are currently offering trip cancellation and interruption, while SafetyWing has trip interruption only.

Some companies, like World Nomads, will also cover quarantine—but only if the quarantine was mandated after you purchased your policy and once your coverage has already started (whether you’re at home or abroad).

What to Do if You Contract the Coronavirus While Traveling

If you think you have been infected, then you need to seek medical care. If you purchased a travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage then you will likely be covered for hospital visits and treatments.

Contact your travel insurance provider for information regarding next steps. Unless it’s an emergency, do not head directly to a hospital or call an ambulance. Your host country will likely have a plan in place to get you tested (a nurse may visit your home, for example).

What to Do if You Are Quarantined While Traveling

It’s also very possible that you could be quarantined while traveling in or from an infected area. If this does happen to you, then it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Find out what your travel insurance covers beforehand.

If your host country goes on lockdown, your travel insurance plan may have coverage to offset the expenses. World Nomads has trip interruption coverage for situations such as this.

If evacuation is organized by the government, then your return expense is likely covered by your travel insurance policy. This is true for battleface, World Nomads, SafetyWing, and Seven Corners.

But generally speaking, you cannot be evacuated while being quarantined abroad. You will need to wait to be cleared in order to return back home.

Although being quarantined may impact your travel plans, keep in mind it’s a precautionary measure and the quarantine is in your best interest as well as the general public’s.

Although the coronavirus outbreak is an epidemic, there are measures you can take to stay safe during this global crisis.

If you do decide to travel, make sure to invest in insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Although nobody wants to cancel their planned trip, please just be smart out there, regardless of your stance on this whole thing.

Coronavirus Travel Insurance FAQs

What's the best travel insurance for covid.

John Hancock has some of the best insurance policies for Coronavirus.

Does travel insurance protect against COVID?

Yes, most travel insurance policies cover COVID-19 just like any other illness.

Is Allianz travel insurance good?

Yes, Allianz is one of our most-recommended travel insurance providers.

What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

Trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of any pre-paid travel arrangements if your trip is canceled for a covered reason.

Who is the best company for travel insurance?

Heymondo is our top pick for the best travel insurance company overall.

Jeremy Scott Foster

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Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage: Stay Safe and Protected

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

82 Published Articles 463 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

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International Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage

What covid-19 travel insurance covers, covid-19 travel insurance costs, tips for choosing covid-19 travel insurance, how to make a claim for covid-19 travel insurance, travel insurance companies offering covid-19 coverage, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

‌COVID-19 continues to add a layer of uncertainty to travel, especially international journeys. Travelers may be unsure how to travel protected from COVID-19 and navigate international vaccine, testing, and quarantine requirements.

While most countries have dropped COVID-19 entry requirements, there’s still a threat COVID-19 could interfere with your travel. You may have to cancel or delay your trip if you develop COVID-19 before departure. 

And if you pick up COVID-19 while traveling, your travel may be interrupted by quarantine, and you may need medical treatment. Severe COVID-19 symptoms may necessitate emergency medical evacuation, particularly when visiting a destination with limited medical care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages travelers to consider travel insurance in case they need medical care abroad. ¹ Other precautions you can take include getting up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, such as on public transportation or in transportation hubs such as airports.

Even if you’re cautious about COVID-19 while traveling, COVID-19 could still interfere with your journey . That’s where travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage comes in.

Travel Insurance With COVID-19 Coverage

COVID-19 travel insurance coverage can offer a safety net for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering financial protection and assistance if COVID-19-related issues impact your trip. These include trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, or quarantining.

Your travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage can include coverage for trip cancellations if you contract COVID-19 before your departure date or during your trip. Some plans also offer trip interruption coverage if you have to quarantine on your trip.

The medical coverage offered by your COVID-19 travel insurance policy can cover treatment if you need medical attention due to COVID-19 on your trip. That means you don’t have to worry about steep medical expenses for necessary medical care if you become sick with COVID-19 on your travels. And your coverage may offer medical emergency evacuation if your COVID-19 illness becomes critical.

Traveling internationally adds another layer of complexity to COVID-19 coverage. Countries may have COVID-19 mitigation measures such as testing upon arrival, quarantine periods, and vaccine requirements. Most countries have dropped these requirements, particularly for fully vaccinated travelers, but travel rules can change at any time — and travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can help you manage COVID-19 requirements, particularly quarantines.

Some countries require valid travel medical insurance with COVID-19 coverage to qualify for a visa.

And if you contract COVID-19 while traveling, having travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can be a lifeline with major financial savings, particularly if your destination has limited medical care.

Learn why you need medical insurance to cover medical emergencies and access quality healthcare when traveling abroad.

COVID-19 travel insurance often covers testing, quarantine, emergency medical, emergency medical evacuation, and trip cancellation and interruption — you can also usually add on Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. Let’s explore the details of these COVID-19 travel insurance coverages:

• Emergency Medical Coverage: Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage usually covers emergency medical treatment if you contract COVID-19 during your trip. 
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Your travel insurance may provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation to a suitable medical facility if adequate COVID-19 care is unavailable at your destination.
• COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 travel insurance may cover the cost of testing for COVID-19, whether you’re testing pre-trip or on your travels.
• COVID-19 Quarantine: If you contract COVID-19 before or during your trip, you may need to quarantine. Travel insurance covering COVID-19 quarantine can reimburse you for additional accommodation and other necessary costs.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage may cover trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19-related reasons such as contracting the virus before departure or during the trip, travel advisories, or government-imposed restrictions.
• Cancel for Any Reason: With supplemental CFAR coverage, you can cancel your trip for any reason and receive a partial refund of your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses. For example, you could cancel your trip if you have concerns about contracting COVID-19 at your destination during an outbreak.

Expect to pay between 1% to 10% of your trip cost for single-trip travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. For example, if your total trip cost is $3,000, you’ll pay about $30 to $300 for COVID-19 travel insurance. 

We got a quote via Squaremouth for a 25-year-old traveler visiting Ireland with a total trip cost of $2,500. Quotes offering full COVID-19 coverage, including trip cancellation, interruption, medical, and medical evacuation, ranged from $44 to $169.40 .

The lowest-priced quote offers $50,000 in secondary medical insurance and a $250,000 medical evacuation benefit. It has up to $2,500 in trip cancellation coverage and $3,750 for trip interruptions. COVID-19 is covered for both cancellation and medical.

The highest-end COVID-19 travel insurance quote offers COVID-19 trip cancellation and medical coverage with up to $250,000 in secondary medical expense benefits and $1 million in medical evacuation coverage. The policy offers up to $2,500 for trip cancellation benefits and $3,125 for trip interruption.

Your actual cost of COVID-19 travel insurance depends on several factors, including your age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and the level of COVID-19 coverage .

Some credit card travel insurance covers COVID-19 medical expenses and cancellations or interruptions, but it depends on the card. Check your card’s guide to benefits to confirm whether your included travel insurance has you covered for COVID-19 or not.

An annual or multi-trip plan with COVID-19 coverage could be cost-effective if you plan to take several trips throughout the year. You’ll pay more for annual coverage — usually $300 to $1,000 or more — but that may be less than purchasing separate coverage for each trip you take.

As you consider which COVID-19 travel insurance to purchase, consider these factors to make sure you have comprehensive coverage for your needs:

• COVID-19 Coverage Details: Review your policy to understand what’s covered under COVID-19 and what’s not. While most COVID-19 travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation and interruption, not all cover medical expenses or emergency evacuations.
• Coverage Limits: Consider how much coverage the policy offers, especially for medical expenses and emergency evacuations, to ensure you’ll have enough coverage in an emergency.
• Preexisting Conditions: If you have any preexisting medical conditions, confirm these conditions are covered by your COVID-19 travel insurance.
• Policy Exclusions: Read the policy to understand exclusions and limitations, particularly those related to COVID-19.
• Customer Support: Confirm the insurance company offers reliable customer support and assistance services, particularly a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• Provider Reputation: Research the financial stability and reputation of the insurance provider, including customer reviews and how well they handle claims — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lost in COVID-19 travel insurance options? See our guide to buying the best travel insurance .

If you need to make a claim for your COVID-19 travel insurance, you’ll follow the insurer’s claim process. That generally includes contacting the insurer, submitting documentation, submitting your claim, and following up throughout the claims process. 

Learn more about the steps for making a COVID-19 travel insurance claim:

• Review Your Policy: Before you travel, review your COVID-19 travel insurance coverage to understand what’s covered, particularly benefits relevant to the pandemic.
• Contact Emergency Assistance: If you need medical treatment for COVID-19 during your trip, contact your insurance company’s 24/7 emergency helpline to get connected with medical treatment and guidance on how to proceed. 
• Gather Documentation: Before you make a claim, prepare all the documentation you’ll need to support it, including medical records, medical expense receipts, and cancellation or change fees.
• Submit Your Claim: Following the insurer’s claim submission process, contact the insurer to submit your claim. You may need to fill out claim forms and submit necessary documentation via email, an online portal, or mail.
• Stay Updated: After you submit your claim, wait for a response and follow up as necessary with additional documentation or information. 
• Escalate if Necessary: Know your rights as a policyholder and what the insurance company is obligated to do for you. If you feel your claim is wrongfully denied, you can escalate your claim with the insurance company or get help from regulatory authorities, such as your state’s department of insurance.

These are some of the best COVID-19 travel insurance options:

• Allianz Global Assistance: A OneTrip Prime plan from Allianz Global Assistance offers epidemic coverage — including trip cancellation, trip interruption, and medical coverage for COVID-19 and future epidemics or pandemics.
• AXA Assistance USA: You can cover COVID-19 cancellations and medical expenses with an AXA Assistance USA Gold plan. There’s a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• battleface: battleface’s Discovery Plan covers COVID-19 cancellation but not COVID-19 medical expenses. You’ll get a $2,500 cancellation coverage benefit.
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: On the ExactCare Value plan, you’ll get a $25,000 medical benefit and a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit. Cancellations are covered up to $2,400, and interruptions up to $3,750.
• Generali Global Assistance: Generali Global Assistance’s Standard plan covers both COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses, with cancellation expenses of up to $2,500 and medical of up to $50,000 with a $250,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• GoReady: GoReady’s Pandemic Plus plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses with a medical limit of $50,000 and emergency evacuation of up to $250,000.
• HTH Worldwide: You can get up to $2,500 in trip cancellation or $3,125 in interruption benefits from the Trip Protector Economy plan, with $75,000 in medical coverage (including COVID-19) and a $500,000 medical evacuation benefit.
• IMG: IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Essential plan does not cover COVID-19 medical or medical evacuation expenses, but you can get $2,500 trip cancellation and $3,125 interruption benefits. IMG’s higher-tier plans cover medical expenses and medical evacuation, including COVID-19.
• John Hancock Insurance Agency: Bronze coverage with John Hancock Insurance Agency gets you up to $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,125 in interruption benefits. Medical expenses — including COVID-19 — are covered up to $50,000 and medical evacuation for up to $250,000.
• Nationwide : The Nationwide Essential plan offers medical expense coverage up to $75,000 and medical evacuation up to $250,000, including COVID-19 coverage. 
• Seven Corners: A Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic plan covers COVID-19 cancellation and medical expenses with up to $100,000 in medical expense benefits.
• TinLeg: On a TinLeg Economy plan, you can cover COVID-19 medical expenses up to $20,000 and medical evacuation up to $100,000. Trip cancellation or interruption expenses are covered up to $2,500.
• Trawick Explorer: Using a Trawick International Safe Travels Single Trip plan, you’re covered for COVID-19 medical expenses of up to $75,000 and medical evacuation of up to $350,000. This plan offers primary coverage, so you don’t have to make a claim with other applicable insurance first.
• USI Affinity: A USI Affinity Ruby plan offers primary coverage for up to $250,000 in medical expenses, including COVID-19. Medical evacuation coverage is up to $500,000, along with $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,750 in trip interruption coverage.
• WorldTrips: You’re covered for up to $1 million in medical evacuation, including COVID-19, with a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred plan. Medical expenses are covered up to $100,000; you’ll have $2,500 in trip cancellation and $3,750 in interruption benefits.

Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t as risky as it used to be, but taking precautions is still wise. Even if you do your best to avoid COVID-19, it could still impact your travel. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage can ensure you’re covered if you need to interrupt or cancel your trip due to the coronavirus. And it’s there to help if you need to quarantine or get medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does travel insurance cover covid-19.

COVID-19 travel insurance coverage depends on the insurer and plan. Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for COVID-19-related medical expenses, trip cancellations, or interruptions. Other travel insurance plans may exclude COVID-19.

What travel insurance covers pandemics?

COVID-19 travel insurance covers the COVID-19 pandemic. Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for future pandemics, but specific coverage and limitations vary widely among insurance providers and plans. It’s a good idea to check your plan’s terms and conditions for specific coverage inclusions and exclusions.

Can you cancel travel insurance and get a refund?

In some cases, you can cancel travel insurance and get a refund, but you’ll need to meet the policy’s terms and conditions for doing so. For example, most insurance companies offer a full refund if you cancel the policy within a certain period after purchase, and your refund amount goes down from there.

What does secondary coverage mean for travel insurance?

When you have secondary coverage on travel insurance, your insurance policy will only provide benefits after your primary insurance policies, such as health insurance or homeowners insurance, have been exhausted.

Is it worth having primary and secondary insurance?

Having both primary and secondary travel insurance can be helpful if you’re concerned your primary insurance has insufficient coverage. Secondary insurance can provide additional coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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What Travel Insurance Will and Won't Cover When It Comes to the Coronavirus

Here's what a policy can—and can't—do for those booking trips during the outbreak.

Such uncertainty is leading travelers to research options for protecting investments made in upcoming trips. And while some travel-focused industries are offering piecemeal solutions—airlines promising more flexibility for tickets made in the near future, hotels waiving some cancellation fees—travel insurance policies remain the most comprehensive option.

And customers are taking advantage. Jack Ezon, founder of the global travel agency Embark Beyond , tells Town & Country that he's seen quite a jump in travel insurance sales since the Covid-19 outbreak began—an 88% increase, to be exact.

So, is travel insurance the way to go, at least while the situation surrounding the outbreak remains unpredictable? Here, all the details what travel insurance can (and can't) do for those booking trips during the coronavirus outbreak.

First, here's how travel insurance generally works.

Kasara Barto, a spokesperson for the travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth, says that travel insurance policies are designed to cover "unforeseen losses incurred while traveling." That includes a wide range of things, from lost luggage to the cost of meals and accommodation during an unexpected delay.

Trip cancellation coverage is also typically included, with most policies offering to reimburse 100% of a customer's prepaid and non-refundable expenses—if the reason for cancellation is on a policy's approved list. "The most common covered reasons are an illness, injury, or death of the traveler, a traveling companion, or a family member," Barto says, adding that inclement weather, terrorism, and natural disasters are also frequently covered.

Most policies will not cover any cancellation related to Covid-19.

"In order for an insured traveler to be covered to cancel their trip, the event that is impacting their trip must be explicitly listed within their insurance policy certificate," Barto says. "Viral outbreaks, pandemics, and epidemics are typically not listed within a standard policy. Likewise, canceling a trip because they are too scared or concerned to travel won’t be covered."

For those who purchased travel insurance before the coronavirus became a foreseen event—a date typically defined by insurance providers as between January 21 and 27—some policies may cover trip cancellation if the CDC issued an warning against non-essential travel to a destination on a traveler's itinerary, or if the traveler is physically quarantined due to the virus; some may also cover medical expenses if a traveler contracted the virus while traveling. But, this doesn't help anyone looking to buy a policy now.

"Cancel for any reason" policies are the exception.

For those hoping to cover a trip that may be affected by Covid-19, there is an option: "cancel for any reason" policies. (It really means any reason. " It could be I woke up tired and I'm not in the mood to go. My sister's having a dinner party that I don't want to miss that I didn't know about," Ezon says.)

It's "an optional upgrade that can be added to some policies, as long as the traveler purchases the policy within 14-21 days of making their initial trip deposit," Barto explains.

Generally, "cancel for any reason" policies cover around 75% of the full cost of a canceled trip, significantly less than the full refund offered under other policies—something of a tradeoff for the no-strings-attached coverage.

These policies also more expensive. The "cancel for any reason" upgrade "typically increases a policy’s premium by about 40%," Barto says. "So far this year, the average cost for a policy with 'cancel for any reason' coverage is $489."

Normally, "cancel for any reason" policies aren't legal in New York state—but that's not the case at the moment.

In the wake of the coronavirus's spread, New York state has lifted its ban on "cancel for any reason" travel insurance policies, Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced.

Cuomo revealed the change at a March 6 briefing , noting that in addition to limiting COVID-19's spread in the state, "we want New Yorkers to go about their daily lives including planning vacations and other travel, and this action will allow them to do that at a time when there is still uncertainty about the future geographic impact of coronavirus."

Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com , where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions ; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve .

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Travel insurance and COVID-19: What you need to know

Travel insurance policies can cover trip interruption or cancellation due to COVID-19, unexpected quarantine costs due to the virus, and unexpected medical costs should you contract COVID-19 abroad and need medical attention. But coverage can vary depending on your vaccination status.

Why should I buy travel insurance?

• Will my health plan cover me if I get COVID-19 while travelling abroad?
• Will travel insurance cover quarantine costs?

Will travel insurance cover trip cancellation due to COVID-19?

Will travel medical insurance cover me even if i am not fully vaccinated, what is the coverage amount for covid-19-related claims, where can i buy a travel insurance plan with covid-19 coverage.

• Which is the best travel insurance for COVID-19 coverage?

When the COVID-19 outbreak pitched an extreme curveball at the world, travellers learned firsthand how quickly unexpected challenges can lead to additional costs . This is true for both a trip out of province and abroad.

Between sudden closures of Canadian and international borders, airlines cancelling flights, and governing bodies implementing travel rules (like mandatory quarantine), travellers in the early stages of the pandemic had many new worries to contend with. Many Canadians found themselves stuck abroad and out of pocket for trips that extended weeks longer than expected.

Although the World Health Organization no longer considers COVID-19 a global health emergency, different countries are still handling it differently. Sudden changes in travel guidelines can still occur, especially if there are future outbreaks. That’s why it is still necessary for Canadian travellers to ensure they’re covered in the event of an unexpected travel emergency.

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Call 1-888-601-9980 to speak to our licensed advisors right away, or book some time with them below.

Travel insurance policies can cover any number of scenarios related to COVID-19. Some of the most common needs for travel insurance are:

• If you or your travel companion catches COVID-19 before the trip, and you have to cancel it
• If you unexpectedly have to quarantine at a hotel or other paid accommodation
• If your trip is interrupted because you or your travel companion begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• If you have unexpected medical costs during your trip, need to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, or need a medical evacuation

This article will take a closer look at some of these scenarios. But when it comes to travel insurance and COVID-19, it’s important for you to know that coverage varies between insurance companies.

COVID-19 coverage also depends on if your plan is comprehensive and whether the Canadian government has issued an order for all residents to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada.

What is travel insurance?

A standard travel insurance policy covers you for financial losses that could occur while you’re travelling. This includes things like flight delays, trip interruption, trip cancellation, hotel stays, baggage loss, and more.

What is travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance specifically provides coverage for emergency medical expenses that could occur during your trip, like hospitalization, ambulance transportation, physician services, prescription drugs, paramedical services, and evacuation back to Canada if necessary.

Learn more about travel medical insurance vs. trip interruption insurance . 

Will my health plan cover me if I get COVID while travelling abroad?

The simple answer is no. Your provincial or territorial health insurance plan will not cover any emergency medical care you may need if you contract COVID-19 while travelling outside your province of residence. This is where travel medical plans would kick in to make sure you’re not saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in hospital bills should the worst-case scenario happen.

Will travel insurance cover COVID-19 quarantine costs?

As most countries slowly relax their quarantine protocols, you can also relax knowing that many travel insurance policies will cover you in the event you unexpectedly have to quarantine for a period of time because of COVID-19.

However, some destinations still have travel restrictions that require travellers to quarantine for a certain amount of time when they first arrive. This is especially the case for unvaccinated travellers. Be aware that in this instance, travel insurance policies generally do not cover that type of quarantine cost because it is not considered an unexpected expense.

Many insurers will cover trip cancellation, interruption, or delays resulting from COVID-19. But the reason for cancellation makes a huge difference and can determine whether your cancellation is covered or not.

For instance, if you get the ultimate bummer of a positive COVID-19 test right before your upcoming travel to sunny Costa Rica, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can cover costs related to your trip’s cancellation.

But what about a more complex situation? Let’s say the city you plan to travel to experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases just before your trip, so you decide to cancel out of concern for catching the virus. In a case like this, coverage is not so clear-cut.

Some insurance policies will flat out deny coverage of trip cancellation due to COVID-19 fears. This is why it’s important to check with your insurer and find out exactly what cancellation circumstances they cover.

This is another instance where your exact coverage will vary. Some travel insurance policies will cover COVID-19-related emergency medical expenses even if you are not fully vaccinated, or if you are partially vaccinated, but only for travel within Canada.

But some companies may deny travel insurance coverage to unvaccinated travellers for international travel, especially if a health authority is advising against it or there are similar travel advisories.

Alternatively, some insurance companies may only offer limited coverage in the event you unfortunately receive a COVID-19 diagnosis while abroad and unvaccinated. This is another reason why it’s crucial to read the fine print of your travel insurance plan before embarking on your trip.

Some insurers offer up to $200,000 in coverage for COVID-19-related claims and millions for emergency medical expenses due to COVID-19.

Additionally, some insurance companies offer benefit payments of $200-$400 per family per day to cover things like meal expenses if you unexpectedly have to quarantine.

There are a wide range of plans that cover you for most COVID-19-related expenses, although details like trip duration and destination are factored into your travel insurance premium. And, it is important to note your premiums will rise as you add more coverage.

Several major insurance companies are offering travel insurance plans or riders, which are basically add-ons, that include COVID-19 coverage.

Here are some of the options:

21st Century

• COVID-19 Emergency Medical Rider add-on for travel insurance plans
• Coverage up to $1 million, including for unvaccinated travellers and children too young to be vaccinated against COVID-19
• Will not cover travel to destinations with Level 3 or 4 travel advisories
• Will not cover unvaccinated travellers going on a cruise
• Provides travel insurance for visitors to Canada
• Standard Emergency Hospital & Medical (EHM) Plan
• Provides emergency coverage if you contract COVID-19 abroad and require medical attention
• May or may not cover travel to destinations with Level 3 or 4 travel advisories, depending on the date your policy comes into effect
• Covers trip cancellation if you contract COVID-19 in Canada before you travel
• Covers trip interruption if you contract COVID-19 abroad during your travel
• Provides coverage up to $5 million for COVID-related emergency medical costs if it’s not a pre-existing condition
• May cover some emergency expenses if you’re unable to return back home because of a “significant” medical emergency due to COVID-19
• Will not cover costs related to mandatory or preventative quarantine measures either in Canada or abroad
• Provides coverage for COVID-related emergencies for cruise travel

Destination Canada

• Provides some emergency medical coverage related to COVID-19 but it’s based on individual policies
• Provides up to $500,000 in emergency medical coverage if you contract COVID-19 either while in Canada before your trip or abroad during your trip
• Provides coverage even if a travel advisory is in place exclusively due to COVID-19
• You must not test positive for COVID-19 or experience any symptoms during the 180-day waiting period in order to qualify
• CoverMe COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan
• Covers medical emergency costs up to $5 million for vaccinated travellers and up to $1 million for unvaccinated travellers
• Covers trip interruption as a result of COVID-related emergency quarantine
• Provides insured travellers up to $200 per person per day, up to $2,800 max, for hotel and meal costs related to COVID-19 quarantine
• Provides insured families up to $400 per family per day, up to $5,600 max, for hotel and meal costs related to COVID-19 quarantine

Read our full review of Manulife’s CoverMe Life Insurance .

• Provides travel insurance for visitors to Canada, including COVID-19-related medical emergencies to an extent
• Exact coverage depends on individual policies
• Provides coverage up to $10 million for emergency medical costs related to COVID-19 if you are fully vaccinated and contract the virus during your trip
• Provides coverage between $10,000 and $500,000 for COVID-19-related emergencies, depending on individual plans
• Covers related emergency medical treatment
• Provides other benefits related to COVID-19 emergencies, like costs for your travel companion to return home or hospital transportation abroad
• Will automatically extend coverage for 14 days if you or your travel companion contracts COVID-19 abroad and cannot return home as scheduled
• Will not cover trip cancellation or interruption due to COVID-19 unless it causes a medical condition

Which is the best travel insurance for COVID-19 coverage? 

The question of which plan is best for you really depends on a number of factors ranging from where you are travelling to, for how long, whether you’re travelling with others, and a host of other factors.

So, while it may be tempting to just book the first flight or cruise heading out of here, it’s worth taking a minute to pause and plan your travel arrangements carefully so that you can really relax in paradise with peace of mind.

With various plan types and coverage options available, it’s important to speak with your insurance provider or with one of our expert advisors to find out your best options. They can help you find the right travel coverage for your travel needs within your budget.

• Travel insurance policies will provide coverage for COVID-19-related trip cancellation/interruption, quarantine, and emergency medical costs
• Travel health insurance is necessary because a provincial health plan will not cover you if you contract COVID-19 while travelling
• Your vaccination status can affect eligibility for travel insurance and coverage amount

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The information above is intended for informational purposes only and is based on PolicyAdvisor’s own views, which are subject to change without notice. This content is not intended and should not be construed to constitute financial or legal advice. PolicyAdvisor accepts no responsibility for the outcome of people choosing to act on the information contained on this website. PolicyAdvisor makes every effort to include updated, accurate information. The above content may not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, termination, and other provisions of the policies described, some of which may be material to the policy selection. Please refer to the actual policy documents for complete details. In case of any discrepancy, the language in the actual policy documents will prevail. All rights reserved.

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Warning: There's a large gap in pandemic era travel insurance

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

I'm planning a lot of trips right now. But, I'm uncertain when and how some countries will reopen their borders to tourists. Even though I'll be fully vaccinated soon, I still may want to avoid pandemic hotspots.

As such, I'm only booking travel that is fully refundable or changeable . Specifically, I'm redeeming hotel points for stays and taking note of the date by which I must cancel to get my points back. When it comes to airfare, I'm booking award flights with programs that offer changes or cancellations with minimal fees.

But perhaps you want to book (or have already booked) a nonrefundable trip . In this case, you may wonder whether travel insurance will cover you if you need to cancel, reroute or postpone your trip. Unfortunately, travel insurance only covers trip cancellation or interruption for specific reasons and situations. And most travel insurance doesn't cover the primary reasons I'd want to cancel or interrupt trips in the COVID-19 era.

In this guide, I'll discuss what you need to know about trip cancellation and interruption travel insurance when traveling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

What is trip cancellation and interruption insurance?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance may provide reimbursement up to a specified amount per person per trip for eligible travel expenses or arrangements that must be canceled or interrupted. However, policies vary on the definition of eligible reasons for canceling or postponing a trip and the types of expenses reimbursed. And most policies will only provide coverage for set reasons.

Most trip insurance policies won't cover many of the reasons you might want or need to cancel or interrupt a trip during the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, most policies won't cover cancellation or interruption even if you can't travel due to border closures or specific entry requirements. Likewise, most policies won't cover cancellation or interruption if you choose not to travel -- even if your reason for not wanting to travel is primarily due to a CDC travel warning , elevated COVID-19 cases or specific entry requirements (such as a lengthy mandatory quarantine or PCR testing ).

However, some policies do cover cancellation or interruption if you are quarantined by a physician for health reasons or contract COVID-19 . In the following section, I'll take a closer look at some of the most popular policies.

Related: Does travel insurance cover pandemics?

Popular trip cancellation and interruption policies

There are two primary ways to obtain trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

• As a benefit provided by your credit card when you charge eligible travel expenses to the card
• As a benefit of purchased independent travel insurance

I'll discuss some of the most popular travel insurance policies and the coverage each may provide for coronavirus-related cancellation or interruption in the following sections.

Chase credit cards

Various Chase credit cards offer trip cancellation and interruption protection, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. To get coverage on these cards, you must charge all or a portion of the trip to your credit card account and/or the rewards program associated with the account.

The trip cancellation and trip interruption benefit offered by these cards may provide reimbursement for eligible travel expenses charged to your account up to $10,000 per covered person and up to $20,000 per trip. However, only select losses that result in cancellation or interruption of a trip are eligible for coverage.

In particular, the primary pandemic-related reasons Chase trip insurance may cover your trip cancellation or interruption are:

• Accidental bodily injury, loss of life or sickness experienced by you or your traveling companion which prevents you or your traveling companion from traveling on the trip
• Quarantine (due to health reasons) of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or by a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction

However, the insurance offered by these two cards explicitly excludes trip cancellation or interruption for the following reasons:

• A pre-existing condition or any other event that occurs or commences before the initial deposit date or booking date of the trip
• Your disinclination to travel due to an epidemic or pandemic

So, you definitely won't be covered by Chase credit cards if you decide not to travel because of an epidemic or pandemic. And even if you contract COVID-19 or need to enter quarantine, your Chase card's insurance may not cover you if the insurance administrator considers the coronavirus pandemic (and not your sickness or quarantine) as the event that caused your trip cancellation or interruption. After all, some travel insurance excludes trips booked after the coronavirus pandemic became a known event.

It's undoubtedly worth filing a Chase trip cancellation claim if you contract COVID-19 or a physician or government authority requires you to quarantine (and either of these events prevents you from traveling on a trip). But, I wouldn't assume I'd get any coronavirus-related trip cancellation and interruption insurance when booking new trips with my Chase cards.

You can review the Chase Sapphire Reserve benefits guide and the Chase Sapphire Preferred's benefits guide . If you want more information about these cards, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review and the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card review .

Related: Sapphire showdown: Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

American Express cards

Select American Express cards , including The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, offer trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance of up to $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12-consecutive-month period.

To be covered, you must charge the full amount of your round-trip travel on a common carrier to your card. However, you can pay with a combination of your card and accumulated points on your card. And you can also pay with a combination of your card and redeemable certificates, vouchers, coupons or discounts awarded from a frequent-flyer program or similar program.

Amex's guide to benefits provides the following definitions of trip cancellation and trip interruption:

Trip cancellation means the cancellation of travel arrangements when the eligible traveler is prevented from traveling on a common carrier for a covered trip on or before the departure of the covered trip. Trip interruption means the interruption of the covered trip either on the way to the point of departure or after departure of the covered trip.

However, Amex's trip cancellation and interruption insurance only covers specific cancellation or interruption reasons. So, as is noted in Amex's trip cancellation insurance COVID-19 notice , you'll likely only get coverage in connection with COVID-19 if you contract COVID-19 or a physician requires you to quarantine for health reasons related to COVID-19 on or before the departure of your trip. Any other reason for trip cancellation or interruption in connection with COVID-19 likely ineligible for coverage.

You can see the complete benefits guides for Amex's travel insurance coverage on Amex's retail and travel benefits website .

Related: Warning: Book carefully if you have multiple Amex cards that offer travel protections

Purchased travel insurance

Many of the most popular travel insurance providers have published coverage alerts and frequently asked questions pages that provide information about COVID-19 claims. So, if you have travel insurance with a specific provider or are looking to buy travel insurance with a particular provider, you should read any information that the provider has about the coronavirus pandemic and understand how that affects your insurance.

Of course, most independent travel insurance covers more than just trip cancellation and interruption. But, in this section, I'll focus on trip cancellation and interruption. I particularly took a closer look at the information AIG Travel Guard , Allianz Travel Insurance , Seven Corners and World Nomads have posted online about coronavirus-related claims. Here's what I found by looking at this information:

• AIG Travel Guard : Policies purchased on or after March 11, 2020 don't cover any losses due to COVID-19 quarantine. However, suppose you contract COVID-19 before departure. In that case, you may be eligible for trip cancellation benefits (if you have a confirmed and documented diagnosis and are medically unable to travel at the time of departure due to COVID-19). Likewise, if you contract COVID-19 while traveling and have a confirmed and documented diagnosis, you may be eligible for trip interruption benefits.
• Allianz Travel Insurance : Plans typically exclude losses for epidemics, including COVID-19. However, you can buy new plans with an epidemic coverage endorsement. And, for a limited time, Allianz is accommodating claims for trip cancellation and trip interruption if you of your traveling companion or family member becomes ill with COVID-19 either before or during your trip.
• Seven Corners : COVID-19 is treated similarly to other sicknesses. So, you may be eligible for trip interruption coverage if a legally qualified physician determines that you or your traveling companion must interrupt the trip due to sickness. Likewise, you may be eligible for trip interruption or cancellation coverage if you or a traveling companion would be forced into mandatory quarantine for medical isolation by a physician or government (excluding at your return destination city or in any other place following the end of your trip).
• World Nomads : Policies purchased by U.S. residents may provide coverage for trip interruption if you contract COVID-19 while traveling. You may also be eligible for trip cancellation coverage for pre-paid non-refundable travel expenses if your doctor advises you that you are unfit to travel on your scheduled departure date due to being diagnosed with COVID-19.

None of the policies provide reimbursement if you decide not to travel, even if your reason is because of an epidemic at your destination. And, although Seven Corners may allow you to cancel or interrupt a trip due to mandatory quarantine for medical isolation at your destination, your inability to enter a country or state isn't an eligible reason for trip cancellation or interruption.

However, some providers offer "cancel for any reason" trip insurance . If you purchase this type of policy, you can cancel your trip for any reason -- including deciding not to travel because of an epidemic -- and get back some of the prepaid, forfeited, nonrefundable payments or deposits for your trip. If you're booking nonrefundable travel that you aren't sure you'll be able to take, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason insurance.

Related: 3 tips for insuring domestic trips

My travel insurance doesn't cover me, what now?

As you can see, most travel insurance policies won't cover you if you decide not to travel due to pandemic hot spots or mandatory quarantine or can't travel due to border closures or restrictions. So, if your travel insurance won't cover you, here are some other ideas to consider.

Call the airline or travel provider

If your travel insurance doesn't cover your canceled or interrupted trip, contact your airline and other travel providers. After all, the airline may have travel waivers that allow you to cancel, delay or change your flights with waived fees -- and sometimes with any fare difference waived as well.

Even if the airline doesn't have a travel waiver in place, you may find an agent who is willing to waive fees -- especially if you have elite status with the airline. But, you may need to wait until closer to your travel dates before the airline offers any waivers or alternate options.

Related: Airline coronavirus change and cancellation policies: A complete list of major carriers

Visit a second destination

Suppose the airline won't offer any solutions, but you don't feel comfortable visiting your original destination. In that case, you could book a second round-trip to a different destination and nest it within your original trip. Of course, you'll want to allow enough buffer between your tickets to reduce the chance that you'll misconnect in either direction.

You may also want to ask the airline how much it would cost to add another leg or two to your original ticket, as then you'd be considered a transit passenger at your original destination. And, as a transit passenger, you may be able to avoid entry restrictions at your original destination.

Related: How to book 'reverse' tickets to save on airfare

Consider the risk

If you can visit your destination, you may want to take an unemotional, logical look at your trip and the risks you're likely to face. Determine your risk based on your destination, activities at your destination, immunity , age, potential repercussions of becoming ill and possible consequences of testing positive during your trip . Some travelers are specifically avoiding international travel as long as the U.S. requires testing before return , as they don't want to risk needing to quarantine outside the U.S.

Related: Do kids need to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling?

Forfeit the trip

If you've run out of options and still don't want to travel, you can try to recoup as much of your costs as possible. For example, you may be able to retain some value by canceling, paying a change or award redeposit fee. But you may lose nonrefundable costs.

Related: How to refund a nonrefundable airline ticket

Bottom line

Travel insurance can be helpful. But don't expect much coverage from trip cancellation and interruption insurance if you want to cancel or interrupt your trip for most pandemic-related reasons.

Sure, many insurance policies will provide benefits if you contract COVID-19 or are mandated to quarantine for medical isolation. But, you won't get assistance if you can't travel or don't want to travel due to more common reasons such as entry requirements, quarantine requirements or pandemic hot spots. As such, for the foreseeable future, I recommend booking fully refundable travel or purchasing cancel for any reason travel insurance if you aren't sure you'll take a trip.

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COVID-19 Travel Insurance Guide and FAQs

Last updated October 19, 2023

Our plans provide coverage if you, a family member, or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 and plan requirements are met.  See Coverages

Travel Updates: Our plans provide coverage if you, a family member, or a traveling companion become ill with COVID-19 and plan requirements are met.  See Coverages

Generali Global Assistance continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and its potential impact on our travelers. This page is intended to help you better understand how the  Standard , Preferred and Premium  plans available on this website can help you with issues related to COVID-19.

Jump straight to:

• COVID-19 Guide  - Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to buy travel insurance that includes coverage for COVID-19 sickness, what to do if COVID-19 impacts your trip and you need to cancel, and also what to do if you get sick during your trip and need medical assistance or are required to isolate.
• Frequently Asked Questions  - Get answers to common questions travelers have about COVID-19 and travel insurance coverage.
• Countries that require travel insurance to visit
• Qualified Home Test Kits  - See requirements for at-home COVID-19 testing in order to file a travel insurance claim and common testing kits that qualify. 
• Get a quote and compare travel protection plans

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Travel Insurance

If you have questions that aren't addressed below, check for an answer at our Main FAQ page .

Buying a Plan

If you, a family member or a traveling companion are diagnosed with COVID-19 before or during your trip, and meet the requirements for coverage due to sickness , you can be covered for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Medical & Dental, and Emergency Assistance & Transportation, in addition to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance services. You can also be covered for additional lodging expenses and extension of your travel insurance plan if you are required to isolate at your destination and your return is delayed.

See our COVID-19 Travel Insurance Guide for more details

For your safety and the safety of others, travelers who believe they may have contracted the virus should call our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team who will coordinate local treatment on your behalf.

Read Plan Documents for coverage details.

Yes. If you received a voucher or credit from a travel company based on previous payment for a booking that is being transferred to a new trip, the new trip can be covered by one of our travel protection plans.

What's Covered

If you, a family member or a traveling companion are diagnosed with COVID-19 before or during your trip, and meet the requirements for coverage due to sickness , you can be covered for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Medical & Dental, and Emergency Assistance & Transportation, in addition to our 24-Hour Emergency Assistance services. You can also be covered for additional lodging expenses and extension of your travel insurance plan if you are required to isolate at your destination and your return is delayed.

Please read your Plan Documents for coverage details.

If you are planning to travel to an affected area, your travel protection plan can help if you get sick during your trip and need to seek treatment or medical evacuation. In addition, our plans include access to worldwide Emergency Assistance services, which are available 24/7 should you need help while traveling. Emergency Assistance and Transportation, Medical and Dental, Trip Interruption and Travel Delay coverages can also help if you get sick on your trip.

You can be reimbursed for unused, non-refundable, pre-paid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for one of 20 covered reasons. Generali Global Assistance plans do not offer coverage if you cancel your trip due to fear of traveling due to Coronavirus, unless you added Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage to your plan. In that case, you could be reimbursed a specified percentage of the penalty amount for your trip, if you meet certain requirements.

In response to COVID-19 many cruise lines, airlines, and other travel suppliers are canceling service and refunding trips or waiving change fees. To ensure you are aware of all your travel change options, we encourage you to check with your airline or travel supplier before filing a travel insurance claim. See our list of the most commonly used suppliers with links to their COVID-19 policies.

Yes. If you purchased Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage it is your choice whether to travel or cancel your trip according to the terms of the plan . The naming of COVID-19 as a pandemic does not affect your coverage.

Please note that a “shelter in place” order is not considered a mandatory “quarantine” and is not a covered event under our plans.

If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus or another sickness and are quarantined, you can be covered. Learn more.

If you are quarantined, but not sick, coverage depends on when you bought your plan and when the loss occurred. Coverage is unavailable if the insurance plan was purchased on or after January 29, 2020. For plans that exclude pandemics, coverage is unavailable for losses that occurred on or after March 11, 2020, the date COVID-19 was formally declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

We will accept a positive test result from a testing facility or a positive test result from an at-home test that meets certain requirements . You do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to qualify for coverage.

In order to qualify for coverage due to sickness, including COVID-19:

You, a Traveling Companion or your Service Animal get Sick after you purchase your plan, must seek the in person treatment of a Physician and can’t travel according to a physician. Or a non-traveling Family Member is hospitalized after you purchase your plan and you are unable to make the trip.

Important Note: Your or your traveling companion’s sickness must first occur after you purchase your plan in order to have coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are generally excluded from coverage. However, coverage is available with the Premium plan if you purchased your plan prior to or within 24 hours of making Final Payment for your trip, provided other requirements are also met. Review Plan Documents for full details.

Also see: Do I have to have symptoms and see a doctor to qualify for COVID-19 sickness coverage?

Testing and Vaccination

Our plans include “new vaccination requirements” as a covered reason for trip cancellation. If your destination country announces and publishes a new vaccination requirement after you buy travel insurance, and you are medically unable to receive the vaccination, you can be reimbursed for your insured trip cost. This applies when vaccination is a requirement to enter the country, but not in the case of new quarantine rules for unvaccinated travelers.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or another sickness, you can be covered for certain additional unexpected expenses on your trip, such as lodging.

To qualify for COVID-19 sickness coverage, your at-home test must meet certain requirements:

• You must take your test while your Trip Cancellation coverage is in effect. Trip Cancellation coverage goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after you purchase your plan.
• The test must be a viral test and have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You can view a list of approved nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) and a list of approved antigen tests .
• The testing must include a telehealth video call during which someone authorized by the manufacturer supervises the testing procedure in real time.
• The telehealth provider must issue a report confirming the patient’s identity, the name of the laboratory or healthcare entity, the type of test and the specimen collection date.

See what tests qualify

It depends. If your Coronavirus test comes up positive and you are diagnosed before your trip, you can be covered for Trip Cancellation.

On the other hand, if you cancel your trip because you simply don’t want to go through the testing required, our plans will not cover you unless you purchased Cancel for Any Reason add-on coverage and meet the CFAR requirements .

No. If you do not get tested or do not receive the results in time, our plans do not provide coverage for those situations.

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The United States has been hit with the coronavirus (COVID-19) within the past few months and the amount of cases and deaths has been increasing in the country and around the world. Travel risks have increased because of the coronavirus outbreak. If you have been traveling or will be traveling domestically or internationally, it’s important to understand what your travel insurance will and will not cover for coronavirus interruptions.

Understanding the full picture of coverage for travel insurance is critical on a global stance, as many cities throughout the world are in a state of emergency regarding lack of gloves and medical masks as well as the rising of reported cases of the virus.

UPDATE 3/16/20: COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Please be aware that some travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for pandemics. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy to know if your travel insurance covers the coronavirus. Please be advised that the information below was published on 3/2/20, before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Heed all reccommendations and restrictions from your state in regards travel.

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What will your travel insurance cover for coronavirus?

The coronavirus has touched countries around the world, so it’s important to know what your travel insurance covers. There are two parts to it: trip cancellation or interruption and medical care.

In regard to the trip cancellation or interruption part, travel insurance typically covers if you need to cancel your trip because you’ve gotten the coronavirus or an immediate family member has. If you are placed under quarantine because you have the virus, your travel insurance will most likely cover the cancellation of your trip. Additionally, if the area you are planning to travel to is placed under travel ban or restrictions, your travel insurance will likely cover the loss.

On the medical care side, most travel insurance companies will cover your medical expenses and hospital stay if you personally contract the virus while you are abroad. Travel insurance may also provide quarantine coverage as well if you are staying in a hospital. There are often certain limits and exclusions. You may also be required to pay co-pays and a deductible out of pocket.

However, there are some travel plans that will not cover your trip because of certain exclusions in your policy, so make sure to contact your travel insurance agent for the logistics. Keep in mind that if the airline carrier cancels your flight due to the coronavirus in a specific destination, the airline itself is responsible to cover the costs of the cancellation, not your travel insurance plan.

As advised above, please be sure to check with your travel insurance company for specifics on COVID-19 coverage. Many companies may not cover pandemics.

Cruises and cancellations because of coronavirus

There are specific cruise lines that have offered customers a free cancelation policy of up to 15 days before departure. Windstar Cruises, which serves areas throughout Northern Europe and Asia-Pacific, is a part of the free cancellation policy. If you are unsure if your cruise line carrier has this policy, make sure to reach out to your agent for specific details.

Conclusion: What is covered?

• Cancellation of your trip because you got coronavirus or have been quarantined
• Cancellation of your trip because an immediate family member got coronavirus or has passed away
• Cancellation of your trip if your destination is under a travel ban or travel restrictions
• Medical care abroad if you get the virus while traveling (up to your policy limits)
• Mandatory quarantine because of coronavirus while abroad
• Airline or cruise line is responsible for reimbursement if they cancel the trip

What will travel insurance not cover for coronavirus?

There are instances where travel insurance will not protect you. If you decide to cancel your flight and/or trip in fear of contracting the virus, your travel insurance most likely will not cover you . However, if you purchased a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade in your insurance plan, then you should be covered, but always check with your insurance agent. The only way you would likely receive your money back without the CFAR coverage is if the airline carrier itself cancels your flight due to high risk of coronavirus to the area you are traveling.

Conclusion: What is not covered?

• If you cancel your trip last minute due to fear of coronavirus

Study Abroad and Semester at Sea: Know the facts about coronavirus

If you were studying abroad this semester in an area at high-risk for coronavirus, you were likely told to cut your study abroad trip short and head home. Thousands of students have left their study abroad program in Italy. The majority of the students, if not all, will have to continue their classes at their home university, take an online version of the class, or will have to repeat the course the following semester.

However, regarding costs, your home university most likely won't reimburse you since you will be going back to classes on campus, online, or taking the class another semester. Be sure to check with your study abroad advisor to make sure you are not missing out on a travel insurance reimbursement.

What if I contract the coronavirus while studying abroad?

This is a concern for students who are studying abroad in Italy or China. If you contract the virus or have been around individuals who may have the virus, it’s likely you will be quarantined in your dorm room or hospital for up to two weeks. After the quarantine is finished and you have confirmed that you do not have the virus, you can either choose to stay in your study abroad location or return back home.

If you do contract the virus, it’s likely you will have to stay in the country where you are currently residing to receive treatment. You are not able to travel back home if you have the virus due to the likelihood of contaminating more people.

The majority of colleges, universities, and second-party programs require you to get health insurance when you study abroad; often times you are given an insurance plan, but you must cover the payment for it. Regarding the coronavirus, if you do happen to get it, you will be covered by the health insurance plan provided by your school or other party. Be sure to check on your insurance plan so you can be prepared.

Does your credit card cover trip interruption from coronavirus?

Some credit card companies offer reimbursements due to flight cancelation or trip interruption. However, every credit card carrier has different rules, policies, and exceptions, so be sure to reach out to customer service for explicit details.

Credit card companies such as Chase Sapphire, American Express, and Delta SkyMiles are a few that have cancellation exceptions, however, there are limits. Be sure to reach out to the company to understand what is and what is not covered. Additionally, not all premium or gold credit cards have coverage for trip cancellation, so make sure to check with your provider.

If you have the virus or were traveling to a place where the coronavirus has travel restrictions, then it’s very likely that you will receive coverage from your credit card. However, there are a multitude of cards that do not cover flight cancellation, so be sure to check with your provider. Additionally, for hotel cancellations if you purchase a room on your card, not every card will cover any type of cancellation, even if it is caused by the coronavirus. Ensure you do your research and contact your credit card company for clarity.

If you have been planning a trip to any of the countries with a high-level risk or threat of the coronavirus, please contact your agent for further information on reimbursement or rescheduling of trip for a later date.

The content on this site is offered only as a public service to the web community and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. This site should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an insurance company or an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. You should always consult a suitably qualified attorney regarding any specific legal problem or matter. The comments and opinions expressed on this site are of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the insurance company or any individual attorney.

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COVID-19: What Does Travel Insurance Cover For Claims Related To The Novel Coronavirus Outbreak? 

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And is there any point in buying travel insurance now?

Jasmine Teo

So the Covid-19 outbreak has gotten you all worried about travelling, so much so you’re contemplating cancelling your upcoming holiday. Or maybe you’ve just booked that holiday to Bali (because, well, life still goes on) but aren’t sure if buying travel insurance now will do you any good in light of the novel coronavirus crisis.

What exactly does travel insurance cover when it comes to Covid-19 related claims? Can you cancel your trip because your planned destination suddenly has a spike in cases, and still receive claims from your insurer?

Here's the bad news first. Most travel insurance policies you buy right now will not cover claims related to Covid-19. Some may cover you if you’d purchased the policies before it was deemed a “known event” by the company (see full list below). Now you know why you should buy travel insurance the moment you book your air tickets, and not at the eleventh hour just before you take off.

But what about unexpected trip disruptions related to the novel coronavirus outbreak? Say, if a country imposes a travel ban on travellers from Singapore, or if you’re denied entry into a country unexpectedly (like the 118 travellers, including two from Singapore, who were recently barred from entering Indonesia)? Does travel insurance cover these trip hiccups? 8Days.sg asked several insurers and got a mixed bag of responses.

AIA Travel to Wuhan: Yes. Claims arising from Covid-19 crisis for travel to Wuhan are covered as long as you purchased the policy on or before Jan 21 Travel to rest of Mainland China (excluding Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan): Yes, only for policies purchased on or before Jan 26 Travel to the rest of the world: Yes and no. Covid-19 related incidents are covered, except for travel cancellations and postponements. These will only be covered when MFA issues a travel advisory for that particular destination, and the policy was bought or the trip was booked prior to the announcement. Policies bought after travel advisory announcements from MFA about a particular destination are not covered. What if a country imposes an entry ban on travellers from Singapore? AIA’s travel insurance Travel Curtailment benefit will provide cover for events like these, so long as the policy was purchased before the ban was made public.

AIG For travel to Wuhan: Yes, for policies purchased on or before Jan 22 Rest of China: Yes, for policies bought before Jan 27 Rest of the world: Yes, for policies bought before Jan 30

Aviva For travel to China and the rest of the world: Policies purchased on Jan 19 and before are covered for trip cancellations, interruptions, hospitalisations, hospital income and quarantine allowances for matters related to Covid-19.

AXA For travel to Wuhan: Yes. Trip cancellation claims are covered if insurance plans were bought and trips were booked before Jan 11. Customers are eligible for claims arising from the novel coronavirus if they departed Singapore for Wuhan before Jan 11. Rest of China: Yes, trip cancellation claims are covered if plans were bought before Jan 27, and claims can be made if customers left Singapore for China before Jan 27.

Etiqa For travel to Wuhan: Yes, for policies bought before Jan 22, 0001 hours Rest of China : Yes, if you purchased your plan before Jan 27, 0001 hours Rest of the world: Yes, for policies bought before Jan 31, 0001 hours — you’re covered for medical expenses and evacuation. What’s not covered, though, are trip cancellations due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Trip curtailments, for instance, if a particular country disallows people from Singapore to enter their country, are not payable.

FWD For travel to China: Yes, only for policies bought on and before Jan 22 Rest of the world: Yes, for policies bought on and before Jan 30. Trip cancellations, postponement, curtailment and disruptions will be covered on the condition that MFA issues an advisory against travelling to your destination as a result of the outbreak.

Great Eastern For travel to Hubei Province (including Wuhan): Yes, for policies purchased before Jan 24, 9.29am. Rest of China: Yes, if the plan was purchased before Jan 28, 11.59pm. South Korea: Yes, for policies bought before Feb 25, 11.59pm.

MSIG For travel to Wuhan: Yes, if bought before Jan 22 For travel to Hubei Province: Yes, if bought before Jan 23 Rest of China: Yes, if bought before Jan 27 Rest of the world: Yes. Should customers contract Covid-19 during their trips to countries outside of China, medical expenses will be covered. However, travel cancellations for destinations for countries other than China are not covered.

NTUC Income For travel to Wuhan: Yes. Trip disruptions, cancellations, curtailments, and postponements are covered provided insurance plans were purchased before Jan 20, 8pm Rest of China: Yes, for plans purchased before Jan 27, 7pm Rest of the world: Yes. All travellers to all destinations apart from Mainland China are still covered for claims arising from Covid-19, barring any travel advisories by MFA. Claims for trip cancellations are only eligible if the World Health Organisation declares Covid-19 is a pandemic or epidemic at the planned destination before departure from Singapore.

Sompo For travel to Hubei Province (including Wuhan): Yes, for travel insurance plans purchased before Jan 22, 8pm. Rest of China: Yes, for plans purchased before Jan 27, 7pm. Trip cancellations are covered if you’re travelling directly to Mainland China in Feb 2020, or if you contract Covid-19 in Singapore and cannot proceed with the trip. Medical expenses related to Covid-19 are covered if you’ve already departed for trip to China, but not if you proceed with the trip after Jan 22, 8pm, as it’s considered a known event. Rest of the world: There is no cut-off date for Covid-19 related claims for travel to elsewhere globally. However, trip cancellations due to Covid-19 are not covered, unless the insured person contracts the novel coronavirus in Singapore and cannot go on the trip. Medical expenses related to Covid-19 are covered if you’ve already departed for the trip, even after you proceed with the trip after Jan 22, 8pm.

With policies varying from company to company — not to mention all the fine print that comes along with them — is it even necessary to buy travel insurance for upcoming trips? To that we say, yes of course (even the God of Gamblers ain’t taking chances on this one). After all, all the unforeseen risks of travel that existed before Covid-19 are still there.

Photos: Pexels, Unsplash

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Coronavirus outbreak: What does travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance cover?

Thinking of traveling despite the coronavirus outbreak? Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance just in case of the unexpected.

Global travel has been greatly impacted by the ongoing  coronavirus outbreak , with airlines canceling flights as new confirmed cases of the virus continue to be reported across the world.

Many U.S. carriers, including United , American and Delta , have also suspended their travel to China, citing decreased demand — meaning that travelers are rethinking their original plans. But some of those travelers might be curious to know whether their travel insurance — if they got any — covers such a cancellation.

CORONAVIRUS: PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID U.S. AUTHORITIES 'SHUT IT DOWN.' HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS

An expert with Squaremouth , a travel insurance review and comparison site, recently explained to Fox News what is covered by most policies — and, more importantly, what isn’t — when it comes to outbreaks.

According to the experts, cancellations due to outbreaks, or fear over an outbreak, are not covered under a standard travel insurance policy.

“Under a standard travel insurance policy, an outbreak occurring at a destination is not a covered reason to cancel a trip. Likewise, fear of traveling in any circumstance is never covered,” Squaremouth said in an email to Fox News.

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But while canceling a trip over outbreak concerns is usually not covered, some policies, if purchased before the viral outbreak became known, do cover emergency medical and medical evacuation benefits if a traveler falls ill or is quarantined due to the outbreak. Policies purchased after the outbreak was reported, however, usually do not provide the purchaser with cancelation benefits.

The only workaround for fear or uncertainty in travel is to upgrade the standard travel policy to the “Cancel for Any Reason” policy, which covers a broader range of concerns.

“Typically we only recommend this upgrade if a traveler has a concern that a standard policy doesn't cover, such as fear or uncertainty. In this case, the time-sensitive Cancel for Any Reason benefit would allow the traveler to cancel their trip and receive a partial refund if they decide they do not want to travel due to the outbreak,” Squaremouth advised.

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As far as travel insurance covering a canceled flight , the flight must have been canceled for one of the reasons outlined in the purchased policy.

“In this scenario, an airline choosing to cancel flights because of the outbreak won’t be covered by most policies and the burden would fall on the airline to compensate the traveler for their losses,” the email read.

As of Monday, the coronavirus outbreak has killed 361 people and infected 17,205 others.

United , American and Delta are among the airlines that have canceled all flights to mainland China. Travel waivers have been extended to those affected.

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The U.S. State Department had further issued a Level 4 advisory (Do Not Travel) for the entire Hubei province, the capital of which is Wuhan.

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What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What is covered by travel insurance

Extras you can add to a travel insurance policy, what does travel insurance not cover, how to pick the right policy for your trip, if you want to understand travel insurance coverage.

If something goes wrong during a trip, your savings account could take a serious hit if you don’t have travel insurance. Flight cancellations, lost baggage or an accident can throw a wrench into your carefully made plans and cost a lot to rectify.

On the other hand, knowing that your trip is protected can help put your mind at ease before, during and after a vacation. But exactly what does travel insurance cover? Let’s find out.

Most plans typically cover a range of trip protections, including accidental death and dismemberment, baggage delay or loss, emergency medical coverage and evacuation, trip cancellation, delay or interruption and more. Here's a closer look at each one.

Accidental death and dismemberment

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance provides coverage for death or losing a limb or eyesight as a result of an accident. Note that death from natural causes, illness or by suicide isn’t covered, so it’s not the same thing as a life insurance policy.

Baggage delay

Baggage delay insurance reimburses the cost of essentials, such as clothes, toiletries or a phone charger, that you may need to purchase if your bag is delayed. Your baggage must be delayed over a certain number of hours to receive coverage — typically the range is from six to 24 hours, depending on the policy.

Baggage loss

Insurance for baggage loss reimburses the cost of your suitcase and belongings should a checked bag become lost, stolen or damaged during a covered trip.

Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation

This benefit covers the cost associated with medical evacuation if you have a medical emergency and you can’t be treated at the facility closest to you. It will cover transport costs to another hospital or your home country, if necessary, and also includes transportation of remains.

» Learn more: Travel medical insurance: Emergency coverage while you travel internationally

Missed connection

A missed connection benefit covers extra expenses if a common carrier delay causes you to miss an organized tour or a cruise, for example, and you need to pay extra to catch up to it at the next port of call.

Reinstate frequent traveler awards

If you paid for a trip with airline miles or hotel points and it is subsequently canceled, this benefit will cover any fees required to redeposit your rewards back to your frequent traveler account.

Trip cancellation

Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for prepaid nonrefundable costs if you must cancel a trip for a covered reason. Reasons that are typically covered include:

Sickness or death of a family member.

Financial insolvency.

Natural disaster.

Airline strike.

Inclement weather.

Military duty.

Stolen passport or visa.

Loss of employment.

Trip delay covers costs associated with transportation, meals or lodging should your common carrier be delayed, as well as reimbursement of any prepaid, nonrefundable expenses. Trip delay coverage takes effect after a specified period of time depending on the policy, but typically ranges from five to 12 hours.

» Learn more: What you need to know about Chase’s trip delay insurance

Trip interruption

Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for unused, nonrefundable costs in the event you must cut the trip short and return home for a covered reason, including a family member’s sickness or death, terrorism, inclement weather or a natural disaster, among others.

Travel insurance plans usually don’t include coverage for every possible thing that can go wrong, but you can add optional extras to your policy for an upcharge. Check to see if your plan has the following types of coverage, and if you think you need it, you can add it in or buy a more inclusive policy.

Cancel For Any Reason

If you change your mind and decide not to go on a trip you’ve booked, you typically can’t get reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses — unless you purchase a cancel for any reason policy separately. Depending on the policy, you usually get a portion of your prepaid expenses back (typically 50% to 75%), but you must purchase the policy within 10 to 21 days of initial payment. Note that cancel for any reason isn’t the same as trip cancellation listed above.

Rental car collision damage waiver

If your rental car is damaged or stolen, rental car insurance will protect you from having to pay for the damage or theft. Many credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , offer rental car collision damage insurance, so check whether the cards you hold have this benefit before adding it to a policy.

Pre-existing conditions

If you need coverage for a pre-existing medical condition, you must purchase a policy within the time specified by the insurance provider to be eligible for a pre-existing conditions waiver (usually ten to 21 days). Make sure that the coverage amount you enter is equal to all prepaid, nonrefundable costs for your trip.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies right now

Quarantine accommodations

This coverage is often part of trip delay insurance, but some providers include it and some don’t. For example, the Safe Travels Voyager plan offered by Trawick International covers lodging expenses in case you get sick with COVID-19 and have to quarantine abroad before flying home safely.

» Learn more: Travel insurance may not cover COVID-19 — unless you upgrade

Travel insurance offers coverage for many situations, but not all. Some scenarios aren’t covered by a travel policy, including:

A named storm: Most travel plans protect you from hassles stemming from inclement weather. However, a policy needs to be purchased before a tropical storm or weather event is named. If you purchase coverage after a natural disaster has begun, it won’t be covered.

Activities performed under the influence: Drug and alcohol use are a notable exception to most travel policies. If you fall off an ATV because you drank a few alcoholic beverages or took drugs before operating a vehicle, you’re no longer covered.

Extreme sports: Some high-risk sports, such as bungee jumping, scuba diving or rock climbing, aren’t covered by a comprehensive travel insurance plan. However, you can buy a separate policy for the specific adrenaline activities you’re planning to do on your vacation from World Nomads , for example.

Fear of travel because of a pandemic or another reason: This is something that would be covered under a “cancel for any reason” add-on, but a general travel policy won’t cover fear of travel.

Medical tourism: Seeking dental work in Mexico or a hair transplant in Turkey? Keep in mind that your medical expenses for elective procedures aren’t covered by a plan with emergency medical coverage.

Pregnancy: If you want to cancel a trip because you’re pregnant, you can do so only if you purchased the plan before you became pregnant. Otherwise, it’s not a covered reason. Additionally, medical costs incurred while on a trip during pregnancy might or might not be covered (check with your insurance provider).

» Learn more: What to know before you buy travel insurance

The length of trip, your age and the destination all factor into how much a policy will cost. The coverage types and their limits also influence the price tag.

Types of coverage and limits

Take a look at the terms of each policy and determine the type of coverage you need the most. Compare the coverage details and limits with the cost. If you hold a travel credit card , familiarize yourself with its benefits as some of the trip protections might be redundant.

Single trip vs. annual plan

For frequent travelers, an annual plan offers the most bang for your buck — it costs less money versus purchasing insurance for multiple single trips. An annual policy covers long international trips as well as short domestic trips in between, so you can have peace of mind all year long. But everything isn’t always included in a multi-trip plan, the coverage limits are lower and you may not be covered for pre-existing conditions.

Individual vs. family

When shopping for a quote, include everyone traveling in your party and their ages before you submit the trip details. Note that some insurance providers include free coverage for children 21 and younger if a parent is the primary policyholder.

» Learn more: 10 best travel insurance companies

Because coverage varies among the different insurance providers and policies, make sure to read over the policy terms carefully, especially if you’re looking for a specific type or amount of coverage.

If you’re still not sure whether a specific event or activity would be covered, call the insurance company and chat with a customer service representative. It’s better to be aware of what’s covered and what isn’t before you need to (but hopefully don’t have to) file a claim.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Key benefits of travel medical insurance

• Travel medical insurance coverage
• Who needs medical travel insurance?

Choosing the right travel medical insurance

How to use travel medical insurance, is travel medical insurance right for your next trip, travel medical insurance: essential coverage for health and safety abroad.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

• Travel medical insurance covers unexpected emergency medical expenses while traveling.
• Travelers off to foreign countries or remote areas should strongly consider travel medical insurance.
• If you have to use your travel medical insurance, keep all documents related to your treatment.

Of all the delights associated with travel to far-flung locales, getting sick or injured while away from home is low on the savvy traveler's list. Beyond gut-wrenching anxiety, seeking medical treatment in a foreign country can be exceedingly inconvenient and expensive.

The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance for the many things that could ail you while abroad is priceless. As options for travel-related insurance abound, it's essential to research, read the fine print, and act according to the specifics of your itinerary, pocketbook, and other needs.

Travel insurance reimburses you for any unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. On domestic trips, travel medical insurance usually take a backseat to your health insurance. However, when traveling to a foreign country, where your primary health insurance can't cover you, travel medical insurance takes the wheel. This can be especially helpful in countries with high medical care costs, such as Scandinavian countries.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Another benefit that often comes with travel medical insurance, emergency medical evacuation insurance covers you for any costs to transport you to an adequately equipped medical center. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is often paired with repatriation insurance, which covers costs associated with returning your remains to your home country if the worst happens. 

These benefits are for worst-case scenarios, but they might be more necessary depending on the type of trips you take. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is helpful if you're planning on traveling to a remote location or if you're traveling on a cruise as sea to land evacuations can be costly. Some of the best travel insurance companies also offer non-medical evacuations as part of an adventure sports insurance package.

It's also worth mentioning that emergency medical evacuation insurance is required for international students studying in the US on a J Visa. 

Types of coverage offered by travel medical insurance

The exact terms of your coverage will vary depending on your insurer, but you can expect most travel medical insurance policies to offer the following coverages.

• Hospital room and board
• Inpatient/outpatient hospital services
• Prescription Drugs
• COVID-19 treatment
• Emergency room services
• Urgent care visits
• Local ambulance
• Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
• Dental coverage (accident/sudden relief of pain)
• Medical care due to terrorist attack
• Emergency medical evacuation 
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Travel medical insurance and pre-existing conditions

Many travel insurance providers will cover pre-existing conditions as long as certain conditions are met. For one, travelers need to purchase their travel insurance within a certain time frame from when they placed a deposit on their trip, usually two to three weeks. 

Additionally, travel insurance companies usually only cover stable medical conditions, which are conditions that don't need additional medical treatment, diagnosis, or medications.

Who needs travel medical insurance?

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Even if well-managed, preexisting conditions like diabetes or asthma can make a medical backup plan even more vital.

Having what you need to refill prescriptions or get other care if you get stuck somewhere other than home could be essential to your health and well-being. That's without counting all the accidents and illnesses that can hit us when away from home.

Individuals traveling for extended periods (more than six months) or engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing) should also consider a solid medical travel plan. Both scenarios increase the likelihood that medical attention, whether routine or emergency, could be needed.

In the case of travel via the friendly seas, it's also worth considering cruise trip medical travel insurance . Routine care will be available onboard. But anything beyond that will require transportation to the nearest land mass (and could quickly become extremely expensive, especially if you're in another country).

Like other types of insurance, medical travel insurance rates are calculated based on various factors. Failing to disclose a preexisting health condition could result in a lapse of coverage right when you need it, as insurers can cancel your policy if you withhold material information. So honesty is always the best policy.

Even the best-laid travel plans can go awry. As such, it pays to consider your potential healthcare needs before taking off, even if you are generally healthy. Making the right choice when shopping for travel medical insurance can mean the difference between a minor hiccup in your travels and a financial nightmare. 

When a travel insurance company comes up with a quote for your policy, they take a few factors into consideration, such as your age, your destination, and the duration of your trip. You should do the same when assessing a travel insurance company. 

For example, older travelers who are more susceptible to injury may benefit from travel medical insurance (though your premiums will be higher). If you're traveling for extended periods throughout one calendar year, you should look into an annual travel medical insurance plan . If you're engaging in high-risk activities (think scuba diving or parasailing), you should seek a plan that includes coverage for injuries sustained in adventure sports.

Travel medical insurance isn't just for peace of mind. If you travel often enough, there's a good chance you'll eventually experience an incident where medical treatment is necessary.

Before you submit your claim, you should take some time to understand your policy. Your travel medical insurance is either primary (you can submit claims directly to your travel medical insurance provider) or secondary (you must first submit claims to your primary insurance provider). In the case of secondary travel medical insurance, a refusal notice from your primary insurance provider, even if it does not cover medical claims outside the US, is often required as evidence of protocol.

On that note, you should be sure to document every step of your medical treatment. You should keep any receipts for filled prescriptions, hospital bills, and anything else documenting your medical emergency.

As many people have found out the hard way, reading the fine print is vital. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you fall ill with a severe condition, including illnesses like COVID-19. 

Still on the fence about whether or not medical travel insurance is worth it ? It's worth noting that many travel insurance plans also include medical protections, so you can also protect against trip cancellations and other unexpected developments while obtaining travel medical insurance.

While short, domestic trips may not warrant travel medical insurance, it may be a good idea to insure longer, international trips. You should also consider travel medical insurance for trips to remote areas, where a medical evacuation may be expensive, and more physically tasking trips.

While shopping for travel medical insurance may not be fun, a little advance leg work can let you relax on your trip and give you peace of mind. After all, that is the point of a vacation. 

Medical travel insurance frequently asked questions

Trip insurance covers any unexpected financial losses while traveling, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage, trip interruptions, and unexpected medical expenses. Travel medical insurance just covers those medical expenses without the trip interruption or cancellation insurance.

Travel insurance companies usually offer adventure sports as add-on coverage or a separate plan entirely. You'll likely pay more for a policy with adventure sports coverage. 

Many travel medical insurance policies now include coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses and treat it like any other illness. However, you should double-check your policy to ensure that is the case.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

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WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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S ince 2016, Money’s editorial team has been evaluating companies that offer RV insurance. Our research and analysis takes into account customer satisfaction, financial stability, coverage options, availability and more. We strive to provide accurate and informative recommendations customized to our readers’ needs.

Money’s Main Takeaways

• Insuring your RV is essential, whether you plan to live in your RV full-time or use it for occasional trips.
• The type, age and condition of your RV, where you live, and your own personal driving record are all factors that will influence the price of your policy.
• We settled on six companies including Good Sam as the best RV insurance broker, National General as the best for full replacement cost coverage and Auto-Owners Insurance as the best for customer service.

Why Trust Us?

Our editors and writers evaluate RV insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. Read the full methodology to learn more.

• Reviewed 15+ companies
• More than 1,000 hours of research
• We prioritized coverage, discounts, customer sentiment, the NAIC complaint index and financial stability

Our Top Picks for the Best RV Insurance Companies

• Good Sam – Best RV Insurance Agency
• RVInsurance.com – Runner-Up
• Nationwide – Best for Multiple Discounts
• National General – Best for Full Replacement Cost Coverage
• Progressive – Best for Disappearing Deductibles
• Roamly – Best for Renting Out Your RV
• Auto-Owners Insurance – Best for Customer Service

Best RV Insurance Reviews

• Offers full-timer coverage
• Manage your policy online without having to contact an agent
• Membership gets you discounts on campsites, gear stores, fuel and more
• Not a direct insurer

Why we chose this company: Good Sam Insurance Agency is the best option for those who need help choosing coverage. It connects you with some of the best RV insurance companies and helps you get a comprehensive policy that fits your needs.

Good Sam works with well-known insurance companies like Progressive, Foremost, Safeco and National General. Some standard insurance options you can get through Good Sam include comprehensive, collision, liability, property damage and personal injury protection.

Good Sam is also an excellent option for people who drive their RV across the border to Mexico. The company partners with MexicoInsuranceOnline.com, which can pair you with one of three Mexico-based insurers. Agents can recommend add-ons for your cross-border travels based on your specific needs, and you can purchase policies for a single-day trip or longer.

The company also offers a storage discount, which lets you pause collision and liability coverage when your motorhome or trailer is stored for more than 30 consecutive days. This can help you save on monthly insurance premiums if you only use your RV for occasional road trips.

Lastly, the agency can help you customize a full-time RV insurance policy if you use it as a permanent residence.

Learn more: Good Sam RV insurance review

See rates on Good Sam’s Secure Website >>

Why we chose this company: RVInsurance.com can help you find a suitable policy, whether you use your RV for vacationing or as your residence.

• Specialists can help you find a policy
• Policies available for all types of RVs

RVInsurance.com works with Foremost, National General and Safeco. These companies cover all RV types, from motorhomes to campers. They offer several policy add-ons, such as full replacement cost, full-timers liability coverage and roadside assistance.

You can get an insurance quote online, but an insurance specialist can help you compare policies if you call.

See rates on RVInsurance.com’s Secure Website >>

• Free yearly insurance review to evaluate your coverage options and possible discounts
• Optional towing coverage includes lodging, transportation and meals
• Multiple policies available, making it easy to bundle and save
• Many customer complaints about the claims process

Why we chose this company: Nationwide Insurance offers over 10 different discounts, including discounts for staying claim-free during the previous policy period or installing safety devices, like smoke detectors.

Most RV insurers offer discounts that can help you save on premiums. Nationwide’s discount list, however, is particularly extensive. You can save money if you bundle your RV policy with your existing home insurance, take safety courses, belong to an RV organization (such as the National RV Association), pay your annual policy upfront or purchase the company’s full-time RV insurance package.

Note that not all discounts are listed on Nationwide’s website, and some only come up during the quoting process. For example, according to a customer service representative, the company also offers discounts to customers whose vehicles have safety features such as tire-pressure monitoring systems or fiberglass bodies.

Learn more: Nationwide RV insurance review

See rates on Nationwide’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for specialized equipment such as solar panels
• Pause your coverage when your RV is in storage
• Experts help you find a new RV in the event of total loss
• Low mileage discount
• Eligibility, benefits, coverage and discounts vary per state
• Limited information about policies on its website

Why we chose this company: Full replacement cost coverage can usually only be bought during an RV’s first model year. National General, on the other hand, lets you get the rider within an RV’s first five model years.

With full replacement cost coverage, also known as total loss replacement, your RV gets replaced with a new or similar one if it’s totaled or stolen. You may also get reimbursed for the original purchase price of the vehicle.

This type of coverage is typically only available for newly purchased motorhomes or travel trailers up to one or two model years old. For example, a 2024 model would probably be eligible until 2026. So if you buy a used RV or don’t insure your new one as soon as possible, you risk your vehicle being considered ineligible.

With National General, on the other hand, RVs are eligible during their first five model years. The company can also insure your RV whether you’re the first owner or not — some companies limit this type of coverage to original owners.

The company lets you pause your coverage when your RV is in storage, an option that’s not available with many other providers. You can save money by suspending collision and personal injury riders, for example. However, your RV would still be covered against theft, fires, harsh weather and other non-collision accidents.

Learn more: National General RV insurance review

See rates on National General’s Secure Website >>

• Accident forgiveness for claims under $500
• Horse trailer coverage up to $50k
• Pet injury coverage available
• Add-on coverage available for roof malfunction
• Standard plan doesn't cover personal property replacement or emergency expenses
• Insurance rates can vary if you buy online or through an agent
• Discounts are not available in all states

Why we chose this company: Progressive offers disappearing deductibles, accident forgiveness and an extensive array of discounts.

With Progressive, you can save on premiums if you’re the RV’s original owner or if you pay your policy in advance, among other discounts. However, what makes Progressive’s discount list stand out are disappearing deductibles and accident forgiveness.

Not many companies provide these discounts, and if they do, they only offer one or the other. With disappearing deductibles, the longer you go without filing a claim, the lower your insurance deductibles get.

Progressive deducts 25% from your total deductible amount for every claim-free policy period. After four consecutive claim-free periods, your deductible will be $0. Other insurance companies that offer disappearing deductibles cap the discount to a maximum of $500 — if your deductible exceeds $500, you’d still have to pay the remaining amount.

Disappearing deductibles, also known as vanishing deductibles, have an additional cost.

However, the feature is included if your vehicle is valued at $25,000 or more and you purchase the comprehensive and collision coverage package. Both riders are recommended since they ensure the vehicle is covered for car accidents and non-collision events, like a fire.

Accident forgiveness — which keeps your premium rates from increasing if claims are for $500 or less — is included at no additional cost.

See rates on Progressive’s Secure Website >>

• Specializes in RV insurance
• Coverage even when renting out your RV
• Policies for full-time RVers are available
• Covers Canada rentals
• Only offers RV policies

Why we chose this company: Insurers typically decline coverage if you rent your RV to someone else. With Roamly, you can rent out your RV and still be covered for liability and damage to the vehicle.

Rented RVs require comprehensive commercial insurance because they’re exposed to more risk than personal vehicles. Renting out your motorhome or camper without insuring it can result in denied claims, especially if the renter doesn’t have coverage either.

With Roamly, your RV is always covered when listed in rental platforms like Outdoorsy (which owns Roamly). When someone books your RV through Outdoorsy, they can purchase a renters protection package. These policies can include trip protection, interior damage and travel medical insurance.

Roamly covers rented RVs for actual cash value during a rental period. Also, policies include $1 million in liability insurance protection during each trip.

Learn more: Roamly RV insurance review

See rates on Roamly’s Secure Website >>

• Premium reduction if RV is equipped with certain safety features
• Towing and roadside assistance in all 50 states and Canada
• Mobile app for Apple and Android
• No online quotes

Why we chose this company: Auto-Owners is our pick for personalized customer service because of its network of independent agents, online customer center and mobile app. Customers can access claims, billing and other important policy documents on their phone, tablet or computer.

Auto-Owners has an impressive customer service record, with fewer complaints on record with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) than most competitors. It also ranked above average in the southeast region in J.D. Power’s 2022 Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction study.

Unlike other companies, Auto-Owners only sells its insurance products through independent agents. Instead of contacting the company online, you work directly with local agencies which can better advise you regarding specific insurance requirements in your area. For example, bodily injury and property damage liability limits set by law vary by state.

Learn more: Auto-Owners RV insurance review

See rates on Auto-Owners’s Secure Website >>

Other RV Insurance companies we considered

During our research for the best recreational vehicle insurance providers, we narrowed down our initial list to 7 companies. The following didn’t make our final cut, not because they were lacking, but because other competitors had more standout features.

• Covers motorhomes, travel trailers and campers
• Membership plan includes roadside assistance, hotel discounts and more
• Extra coverage for lodging and transportation if your RV is damaged
• Coverage options are not standard across regions (southwest, northeast, etc.)
• RV policy not available nationwide
• Limited information available online

AAA offers coverage for different types of RVs and some of its policies also cover personal effects such as electronics. However, it didn’t make our list because their coverage is not available in all 50 states.

See rates on AAA’s Secure Website >>

• Discount if you transfer from another insurance company
• Discounts for drivers 55 years or older
• Gas price locator to help you find the cheapest gas
• Limited information on company website
• Online quotes not available

Allstate’s policies include emergency travel expenses if you’re over 50 miles from home when your RV breaks down and the issue is covered under the policy. Allstate is not on our main list because it only provides quotes through its sales agents and the information on its website is limited.

See rates on Allstate’s Secure Website >>

• Windshield deductible is only $50 for total replacements
• Personal effects replacement limits up to $100,000
• Free accident forgiveness for those who have been accident-free for 5+ years
• Limited information available on the company's website
• Enhanced RV coverage is not available in HI, MA, MI and NC
• Availability of total loss replacement coverage varies by state and vehicle value

While Geico offers coverage options comparable to those of other companies on our list (such as total loss replacement, emergency expenses coverage and vacation liability), its policies aren’t available nationwide. Its website also lacks crucial details, such as available discounts.

See rates on Geico’s Secure Website >>

• Loan or lease protection coverage available
• Deductibles diminish $100 per year up to $500
• Insures motorhomes valued at up to $1 million
• Coverage available for custom equipment
• Only covers vehicles used 250 days or less per year
• Limited information available on website
• No online quotes available

Safeco offers coverage for class A, B, and C motorhomes valued at up to $1 million, but it only insures these vehicles if you use them recreationally. Safeco didn’t make our list because its website doesn’t offer a lot of information and coverage is limited to vehicles used less than 250 days a year.

See rates on Safeco’s Secure Website >>

• Coverage for emergency expenses if camper is damaged or destroyed
• Pays for transportation of damaged RV to storage, repair shop or home
• Full-timer coverage for travel trailers, motor homes, luxury motorcoaches and more
• Special policies for USAA members
• Not available in DC or Hawaii
• Limited information on website

Foremost, a subsidiary of Farmers Insurance, has policies for full-timers as well as stationary travel trailers. It also covers personal-use motor homes that you occasionally rent, lease or loan. Unfortunately, this policy doesn’t cover the vehicle while it’s rented, leased or loaned.

See rates on Foremost’s Secure Website >>

• Part-time users can opt for storage-only insurance during the off-season
• Policy extends to travel anywhere in Canada
• Insures equipment permanently attached to your RV
• No information regarding discounts

Despite offering coverage in Canada, Farmers Insurance fell short of our list due to limited information on their website regarding specific coverages and discounts. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to assess the scope and value of its policies.

See rates on Farmers’ Secure Website >>

• Discounts for safe driving and original ownership
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Coverage for all RV classes, including slide-on campers
• Members get a 5% discount on policies
• Policies only available to military families
• 5% members-only discount not available in all states

USAA offers RV insurance through an alliance with Progressive, which covers almost all types of RVs. The drawback to USAA’s policies is that they’re only available to military families.

See rates on USAA’s Secure Website >>

Country Financial

• Multi-policy discount
• Mobile app for Apple and Android devices
• Only available through agents
• Operates in only 19 states

Country Financial’s RV insurance policies fall under home or auto insurance. That can be a drawback for consumers who already have a preferred auto or home insurer. Another notable snag in its coverage is that it’s available in only 19 states.

See rates on Country Financial’s Secure Website >>

National Interstate

• Options for RV full-timers
• 25% deductible discount for each consecutive claim-free year
• Windshield replacement coverage
• Coverage for commercial RVs
• Website lacks information about terms and discounts

National Interstate has policy options for RV full-timers and covers commercial RVs. This insurer is not featured on our main list because its website doesn’t provide details regarding policies or discounts.

See rates on National Interstate’s Secure Website >>

The Hartford

• Lifetime guarantee for repairs done in authorized repair shops
• 24/7 claims submission
• RV replacement if it's totaled in the first 15 months
• Only available to AARP members
• Not available in U.S. territories

The Hartford allows policyholders to customize their RV insurance coverage, and its lifetime guarantee for repairs in authorized shops is a highlight of its policies. However, coverage is only available to AARP members, which is a considerable drawback.

See rates on The Hartford’s Secure Website >>

RV Insurance Guide

Like auto insurance, an RV insurance policy provides financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries and other unfortunate scenarios. This means it can reimburse you for repairs, medical bills and liability expenses in the event you injure someone or damage their property.

Most RV insurance providers offer comprehensive policies covering everything from collisions, theft and loss of personal belongings to medical expenses and more. However, not everyone needs an all-inclusive policy, especially those who use their RVs occasionally.

Read on to find out how much RV insurance costs, learn about the different coverage options available and get tips on choosing the right coverage for your needs while saving on premiums.

Table of contents

How much is rv insurance, types of rvs, what type of insurance does an rv need, what does rv insurance not cover.

• How to buy RV insurance

Renting out your RV

According to Progressive, an RV insurance policy for a travel trailer (an RV that you tow behind your own vehicle) costs an average of $573 per year, while coverage for a motorhome costs an average of $958 per year.

The cost of an RV insurance policy is influenced by the following factors:

• The type of RV: Motorhomes are more expensive to insure than trailers (especially motorhomes with state-of-the-art components).
• Age and condition: Older trailers and motorhomes cost less to insure than their modern counterparts due to their reduced resale value.
• Type of RV insurance: A policy with just liability coverage is more affordable than a comprehensive policy that includes collision and personal property coverage.
• Where you live: As with most other types of insurance, your state and zip code affect your insurance rates. RVs in areas prone to extreme weather will be more expensive to insure.
• Driving experience and driving record: A first-time RV owner poses a higher risk than someone who’s been living the van life for years. Insurers will also look at your general driving record to determine an appropriate rate.
• Claims history: Just as with auto insurance, a lengthy claims history is a red flag to insurers. A driver who has never filed an insurance claim will get a much better rate than one who has cashed in on their policy in the past.
• Additional coverage: Purchasing add-ons that augment your standard coverage can substantially increase your premium. Additional coverage options may include roadside assistance, total loss replacement, vacation liability and full-timers coverage.

Recreational vehicles, more commonly known as RVs, can be classified into one of four categories: Class A, Class B, Class C and towable RVs. The first three are motorhomes, which means they’re drivable units equipped with living quarters and appliances. Towable RVs, also called campers or trailers, can have home amenities too. However, some are designed to transport animals or cargo.

Here’s the rundown of the different types of RVs available:

Class A motorhomes

Class A motorhomes are the most luxurious and spacious. They are similar to commercial buses, measuring anywhere between 24 to 45 feet in length and fitting as many as 12 passengers. However, their size can make them difficult to drive and limits their mileage to around 10 miles per gallon or less.

Class B motorhomes

Class B motorhomes, also known as “camper vans,” are the smallest and least expensive type, with a length of 17 to 19 feet. These are standard-sized vans usually packed with a compact kitchen, bathroom and foldable or fixed bed. Their limited living space makes them suitable for four passengers or less who enjoy minimalist traveling.

Class B+ or B Plus motorhomes

Class B+ or B Plus motorhomes are the big siblings of Class B camper vans. These vehicles measure between 17 and 30 feet, fitting bigger beds and more spacious bathroom and kitchen areas.

Class C motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are the middle ground between Class A and B RVs. They measure between 21 to 41 feet in length and are easily recognized by their over-cab sleeping or storage area.

Although smaller than Class A RVs, Class Cs are suitable for full-time occupancy, delivering better gas mileage and easier maneuverability. These vehicles can fit up to eight passengers and include a fully equipped kitchen and spacious dining, bathroom and living room areas.

Towable RVs

Towable RVs are pulled by hitches on SUVs, pickup trucks or any vehicle that can tow the RVs weight. Towable RVs that feature living quarters include fifth wheels, toy haulers, travel trailers and pop-up campers. These range from under 10 feet for pop-ups to 30 feet for fifth-wheel trailers.

Truck campers are also considered towable RVs, but you don’t pull them with a hitch. Instead, they sit on the bed of a pickup truck. Other types of towable RVs include utility, cargo and horse trailers.

Since RVs can be both a vehicle and a primary residence, there are special considerations when insuring them. Some policies only offer basic liability protection while others offer broader coverage for things like personal effects and emergency expenses.

Keep in mind that if your RV is self-propelled, your coverage should meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements. This applies whether you use the vehicle occasionally or as a residence.

If your RV is towable, the insurance policy on the vehicle used to tow it may extend to the RV. However, note that the towing vehicle’s policy usually only covers liability and not physical damage to the RV or attached accessories.

Best RV insurance features for part-time RVers

People who use their motorhomes for weekend getaways should at least have basic liability coverage that meets their state’s minimum requirements.

Other types of RV insurance for part-time RVers include:

• Property-damage liability coverage: Pays for damages that you cause to another person’s property or vehicle.
• Bodily injury liability coverage: Helps pay the medical expenses of those you injure in an at-fault accident.
• Collision coverage: Covers repairs to your RV after an accident with another vehicle, whether you’re at fault or not.
• Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire and other non-collision accidents.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage: Covers the cost of repairs to your RV and your medical payments if you’re in an accident caused by a driver that doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage to pay your claim.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for both you and your passenger in the event of an accident, no matter who was at fault. It may also cover lost wages.
• Campsite/vacation liability coverage: Helps pay for legal expenses if you’re found at fault for injuries or losses suffered by a non-family member while in your campsite area or inside your RV.
• Roadside Assistance: Offers around-the-clock repairs, towing and emergency assistance should your RV experience a flat tire, battery discharge or other malfunction.

Best RV insurance features for full-time RVers

For added peace of mind, full-time RVers should consider having a more comprehensive policy that includes some of the above-mentioned add-ons as well as any of the following:

• Personal property coverage: Covers the cost of replacing any damaged or stolen personal effects. This includes clothing, furniture, jewelry and computers, for example.
• Total loss replacement: Replaces your RV with an equal or similar model if your vehicle is ever stolen or totaled in an accident. In other cases, the insurer may reimburse you for the original purchase price. Note that lenders may require this coverage if you finance your RV.
• Full-time RV liability coverage: Adds additional coverage for liability and medical expenses if you live in your RV for six months or more each year.
• Emergency expense allowance: Covers up to a specified amount of living and travel expenses like car rentals, lodging and food if your RV leaves you stranded, usually more than 100 miles away.
• Specialized coverage: Can replace appliances like awnings, satellite dishes, and solar panels and can even provide coverage for any pet injuries that happen in the vehicle.
• Loss assessment: Helps cover fees charged by RV associations for damage to common areas in a campsite, for example.

RV insurance won’t cover the following:

• Normal wear and tear: RV insurance protects your vehicle against unexpected events, not routine maintenance or deterioration.
• Mold damage, fungi or rot: Insurers consider mold a sign of neglect and won’t cover damages unless it’s directly linked to water damage caused by a covered event.
• Certain types of water damage: RV insurance doesn’t cover water damage that’s caused by regular wear and tear, freezing temperatures or manufacturer defects.

Comprehensive RV insurance covers most natural disasters, including flash floods, storm surges and fire. Earthquake coverage varies by insurer — it may be covered under a comprehensive RV policy or you may need to purchase earthquake coverage separately.

How to Buy RV Insurance

Here are some tips on how to find and purchase the right RV insurance coverage for you.

Take time to shop around for insurance quotes

The cost of RV insurance will depend on your driving history, where you live, the type of vehicle you own and whether you intend to live in the RV full-time or use it for vacations. Adding optional riders like pet and accessories coverage will hike up your premium.

Requesting multiple RV insurance quotes can work out to your advantage. Those who compare estimates and coverage options before choosing often find the best rates.

If you don’t have the time to shop around, you can consult an independent insurance agent. They can help you choose the right coverage and guide you to companies with attractive rates and policy features that meet your needs.

Consider bundling multiple policies

Most insurance providers offer a multi-policy discount when you combine your RV insurance with other qualified policies.

You can save on premiums by combining your RV policy with your current auto, home or boat insurance . Some insurers also let you bundle your policy with renters or life insurance policies . Bundling multiple policies under one provider can also help you avoid the hassle of dealing with different companies come time to file a claim.

If you don’t want to pay two premiums, you can consider adding your RV to your existing auto insurance policy . Just know that the insurance you have on your car usually only extends to towable campers or trailers, not motorhomes. Also, keep in mind that car insurance may cover you against liability and damages to the RV, but not belongings or appliances inside the vehicle.

Homeowners insurance may also offer some coverage for RVs, but only when the vehicle is parked on the insured property’s premises.

Another option is getting umbrella insurance to cover your RV. This type of policy covers liability claims that exceed the limits of your primary auto, home or RV policy. However, this coverage only kicks in if your RV is covered by an underlying policy that meets the liability requirements of the umbrella policy.

Check for available discounts

While these may vary by company, most insurers offer rate discounts for:

• Paying the total annual policy upfront
• Making monthly payments on time
• Staying claim-free during the previous policy period
• Being the vehicle’s original owner
• Installing safety features in your RV (a tire pressure monitoring system, for example)
• Having a favorable loss history (the record of insurance losses associated with the vehicle)
• Being a safe driver (staying accident-free for at least three years)
• Taking safety courses
• Being a member of an RV association

Drivers aged 50 and up can snag a lower rate, as can parents or guardians who opt not to insure drivers under 25 on their policy.

Insurance when renting an RV

If you plan on renting an RV for a vacation, you should consider getting RV rental insurance. This type of policy is similar to car rental insurance since both usually provide liability, collision damage waiver, personal accident or personal effects coverage.

Policies can be purchased through the rental company or your own insurance provider — if it offers such coverage. However, keep in mind that your current car or RV insurance policy may already extend some coverage to the rented RV. Coverage may not be available in all states or for trips longer than 30 days, so you should call your insurer to verify before heading out.

Some insurance companies also offer RV coverage for trips to Mexico. While this type of policy can be useful for someone planning a vacation, it is more commonly recommended for RV owners who frequently cross the border.

If you rent your RV to others, it’s considered a commercial-use vehicle, and your insurance policy won’t cover the renter. The person must obtain their own rental insurance for the trip. If you’re merely lending your RV to a friend or family member, your existing coverage may extend to them, depending on the details of your policy.

However, note that some states — including Arkansas and Wisconsin — require drivers to get special licenses to drive RVs. If you live in one of these states and you lend your RV to someone, that person must have the required license if you want your insurance policy to cover them.

What kind of insurance do I need to rent out my RV?

To rent out an RV, you’ll need at least liability coverage, which pays for damages or injury you may cause to other people and their property in an at-fault accident.

With the exception of New Hampshire, all states and the District of Columbia, require that vehicles, including RVs, have some form of liability coverage.

Insurance for towable RVs is another matter. When you’re towing your RV behind another vehicle instead of driving it, you only have to worry about having enough coverage to protect your belongings, not about additional liability insurance.

RV Insurance FAQs

What states require trailer insurance.

Trailer insurance requirements vary by state and by type of trailer. Most local governments require liability insurance, while others also require uninsured motorist coverage.

There are currently only two states that don't require any type of trailer insurance. You can drive an uninsured vehicle in Virginia as long as you pay an uninsured motorist fee. In New Hampshire, you can drive uninsured if you prove you have enough money to cover liability expenses in an at-fault accident.

Do you need trailer insurance?

You don't need insurance for a non-motorized trailer that's hooked up to a towing vehicle. The vehicle's insurance coverage extends to the trailer attached to it. However, this coverage is typically limited to liability.

Talk to your auto insurance provider if you want to add property damage coverage for the trailer or purchase a separate RV insurance so that the trailer itself is insured against damage.

Who has the best RV insurance?

Does rv insurance cover water damage, what is vacation liability rv insurance, how we chose the best rv insurance.

• Coverage options and discounts. We picked companies that offer a comprehensive selection of coverage options and premium discounts.
• Customer satisfaction. We favored companies that had above-average scores in J.D. Power’s U.S. Auto Insurance Study. We also considered customer feedback from review sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Financial strength. We considered the financial strength of each insurer as evidenced by their A.M. Best rating. A.M Best is a credit rating agency that assesses the creditworthiness of insurance companies.
• Complaint index. We looked up every insurer’s complaint trend report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and favored those with few complaints.

Summary of Money’s Best RV Insurance of 2024

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This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .